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Explora Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile · Explora · Grand Luxury
Pedro Ibáñez's explora opened this 50-room lodge in 1998 in the Ayllu de Larache near San Pedro de Atacama, a Germán del Sol house on 17 hectares at about 8,200 feet. A private observatory went up in 2008. Virgilio Martínez has guided the kitchen. Guests bathe at the Puritama hot springs and walk some 50 guided routes into the salt flat and El Tatio.
- 50 rooms
- Opened 1998
- Neighborhood: Ayllu de Larache
- Rooms from 355 sq ft (33 m²)
- Architect: Germán del Sol (original lodge, 1998); José Cruz Ovalle (later reconstruction)
About Explora Atacama
- Explora's dawn departure reaches the El Tatio geysers at 14,000 feet, the highest geyser field in the world, for the steam columns at first light.
- Guests get exclusive windows at the Puritama hot springs, a canyon of thermal pools about 40 km from San Pedro.
- An on-site observatory built in 2008 is among Chile's best private sky platforms, on a 17-hectare estate at about 8,200 feet.
- Germán del Sol designed the 1998 lodge for Pedro Ibáñez's explora; Virgilio Martínez has guided the kitchen.
- Entry-level rooms start at 355 sq ft (33 m²).
History
Explora Atacama opened in 1998 in the Ayllu de Larache near San Pedro de Atacama, part of Pedro Ibáñez's explora adventure-lodge brand founded in 1993. Architect Germán del Sol designed the original lodge; later work is associated with José Cruz Ovalle. The 50-room house sits on a 17-hectare estate at around 8,200 feet. Its observatory was built in 2008. Chef Virgilio Martínez has guided the kitchen. Guests use the private Puritama hot springs and around 50 guided explorations, including the Salar de Atacama flamingo lagoons and the dawn run to El Tatio.
The setting
2 km from Altiplanic Lagoons. 4 km from pre-Colombia Pukará de Quitor archaeological site.
Restaurants and bars
- Explora Atacama intimate dining room — Restaurant · Authentic handcrafted daily menu highlighting flavors of Chi
- Comedor de Explora Atacama — Restaurant · Propuesta gastronómica inspirada en los sabores del desierto
Experiences
- Desert Explorations — Guided explorations by the lodge's own trained guides, including horseback, biking, hiking and high-elevation climbs, customized to interests and fitness.
- Stargazing at the onsite Observatory — Guided star tours at the lodge's observatory, with views of the Milky Way, constellations, planets and Andean night skies.
- Hot springs at Puritama Conservation Reserve — Swimming in mineral-rich natural hot springs in Explora's private reserve, offered as an Explora-only exploration.
- Authentic handcrafted cuisine — Daily handcrafted menu highlighting flavours of Chile's Atacama region, designed by an award-winning chef.
- Horseback riding from Explora's own stables — Horseback excursions on the Altiplano from the lodge's own stables.
- Biking and hiking the Altiplano — Cycling and hiking routes on the Altiplano, with views of the Valley of the Moon.
Amenities
- Spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Hot tub
- Horseback riding
- All-inclusive
Awards
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
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